I did not have any indication. I worked from home and did a lot of sitting but I don't know if that mattered. I stood up to take a break one day and my leg hurt as if I had stepped in a small hole and twisted it badly. I thought it would pass but ended up going the doc who sent me immediately to the ER for tests. There were actually two clots. One ran from. My ankle to just under my butt and the other from the back of my knee up further. I was in the hospital for week. I am on a blood thinner all the time

I had a total shoulder replacement of my right shoulder on July 30th of this year. I have had a number of surgies in the past without trepidation but I did feel some anxiety about this shoulder. They only kept me one night in hospital and from there I went to stay with a friend. I am still staying with a friend rather than at home so that I will not be tempted to overuse my body. I had about a week of intense pain that was modified greatly by the pain medication. I took them as prescriibed until I realized that I could go longer and longer without the medication. The nurse told me to take them as prescribed but I did not need them so I did not take them. I am a recovering drug addict and alcoholic and did not feel any desire to use them other than for the pain. I slept sitting up in a chair with pillows for support…especially for my arm and shoulder which were in a sling. I have been sleeping in my bed for awhile now and that works as long as I use the positions suggested by the doctor. I went on youtube and watched videos of proper sleeping positions for post shoulder surgery over and over. I have a healthy respect for the need to keep the upper part of my shoulder stabilized, etc. Today I can wear my sling or not around the house with no problems. As with my knee surgery I have followed doctor's ordes and made provisions to stay somewhere to begin recovery rather than at home. Physial therapy starts on September 9 and I do not look forward to it at all. I know the purpose and I will comply but OUCH! I attribute my reasonable amout of success to obeying doctor's orders and using the internet to watch relevant videos and read other people's experiences.

I had a total right knee replacement several years ago with no trouble during recovery or physical therapy. I followed the instructions of my doctor and e rested a great deal in the beginning especially. The little machine with the ice in it (don't know the name) was a huge blessing, Physical therapy was not a cakewalk. but I got through it and I don't have any residual pains in my knee to date. I did, however, develop a rather large blood clot in that leg about a year later…maybe a little bit less…and have had some problems with that with ankle swelling on a daily basis, several follow-ups to check for another clot based on symptms. I have read that blood clots can be one side effect of knee surgery. I have not had that confirmed. Today my knee is as agile and useful as my left knee! There is no way I could have functioned with the knee as it was prior to surgery. The surgery has been a blessing.

Just a thought as my husband had Fronto-temporal degeneration (FTD). Several of the symptoms you are describing sound a great deal like symptoms many experience in the early onset of FTD. You can look at information at the AFTD.org website.

Good Morning! I am going to have total shoulder replacement surgery tomorrow. I have had a total knee replacement and several other surgeries but, for some reason, this surgery intimidates me. I think it may be because I have heard such a wide range of comments about the recovery time and the pain. I think I finally understand that there may be people who are well-meaning but are talking about procedures they had that were not as comprehensive as total shoulder replacement. One question I have is related to practical advice. What kind of clothing did you wear to accommodate your arm and sling? I am a 65 year old woman. Any post surgery suggestions for comfort and daily living are welcome.

Hello, I am a 65 year old woman living on the coast of North Carolina. I am scheduled for a total shoulder replacement of my right shoulder on July 30th.I have had a number of surgeries over the years but am a bit intimidated by this one for some reason. I have heard from others locally that it is not that bad and that it is very painful. If someone would care to share their experiences i would appreciate it. Also, what did you wear for shirts that would accommodate the shoulder and the sling? Thanks for any info provided.

I apologize for taking so long to reply to your comment. I like your comment that you believe the things they get stuck on are a way to express fear. Thinking about it now I can see how there is an element of fear in the constant requests for validation of what has been said time and again. Thank you for that insight. I am participating in a chat group at caregiving.com It is an amazing site and has a variety of chats plus tons of information and opportunities to share about yourself.